[Extra-intestinal salmonella infections in kidney transplant patients]. / Extraintestinale Salmonellen-Infektionen bei nierentransplantierten Patienten.

Immunosuppression to prevent rejection of solid organ transplants is accompanied by an increased risk of infections. The most frequent diseases include cytomegalovirus as well as bacterial infections of the urinary tract and the lung. The rate of enteric salmonella infections is increased in transplant patients. We report on four cases of extraintestinal salmonellosis after kidney allotransplantation.

[Organ donation by living donors in isolated pancreas and simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation]. / Die Lebend-Organspende in der isolierten Pankreas- und simultanen Pankreas-Nieren-Transplantation.

We studied retrospectively 106 pancreas transplants from living donors. Of these, 83 were solitary pancreas transplants, done between June 1979 and December 1997 (51 pancreas transplants alone for non-uremic recipients as well as 32 pancreas-after-kidney transplants for previously uremic recipients with a functioning kidney graft), and 23 were simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPK), done between March 1994 and December 1997. In all, 105 (99%) donors were genetically related to the recipients. Perioperative donor mortality was 0%. Donor complications included 9 splenectomies as well as 4 operatively drained and 7 percutaneously managed peripancreatic fluid collections. We noted hyperglycemia in 3 (3%) donors (all among the initial cases in this series). The 1-year survival rate was 50% for solitary pancreas recipients and 78% (pancreas) and 100% (kidney) for SPK recipients. Of the 5 pancreas graft losses which occurred after SPK, 3 were due to thrombosis, 1 to pancreatitis and infection, and 1 to chronic rejection. Currently, all kidney grafts and 18 pancreas grafts are functioning in these 23 dual organ recipients (with 0% recipient mortality). Living donor pancreas and SPK grafting is associated with low donor morbidity and good graft outcome. With stringent donor criteria and appropriate counseling of the prospective donor/recipient pairs, living donor pancreas transplants may become a more widely applied therapeutic alternative for selected non-uremic and uremic patients with Type I diabetes.

Pancreas-specific protein (PASP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and neopterin (NEOP) in the diagnosis of rejection after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation.

A reliable, noninvasive indicator of pancreatic allograft rejection is urgently needed. In this study, serum (S), plasma (P), and urine (U) levels of pancreas-specific protein (P-PASP, U-PASP), neopterin (S-NEOP, U-NEOP), amylase (U-AMYL), and amyloid A (SAA) were measured daily in ten type I diabetic patients following simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK). Rejection episodes occurred in three isolated pancreas, nine isolated kidney, and five simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplants. In the case of the eight pancreas rejections, SAA was the rejection marker with the highest diagnostic accuracy (94%). Using P-PASP and U-PASP, an accuracy of 81% and 79%, respectively, was achieved. During viral infections, U-NEOP levels increased to a maximum level of 1904 mumol/mol creatinine, whereas during bacterial infections, SAA levels increased to a maximum value of 43 mg/dl. SAA, measured for the first time in SPK, appears to be a valuable rejection parameter. In combination with U-NEOP and U-AMYL, a differential diagnosis between rejection, bacterial infection, and viral infection was possible. Neither U-PASP nor P-PASP monitoring led to a significant improvement in the results.

Short- and long-term outcomes of kidney transplants with multiple renal arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The authors determined whether the use of kidney allografts with multiple renal arteries adversely effects post-transplant graft and patient outcome or increases the incidence of vascular and urologic complications. BACKGROUND: Kidney grafts with multiple renal arteries have been associated with an increased incidence of early vascular and urologic complications. Kidney transplants with single versus multiple renal arteries have not been compared in regard to long-term graft and patient outcome or post-transplant incidence of hypertension, acute tubular necrosis, rejection, and late vascular and urologic complications. METHODS: We analyzed 998 adult kidney transplants done from December 1, 1985 through June 30, 1993, in which only the recipient's external or internal iliac artery was used for anastomosis. We divided the study population into 3 groups: Group A-1 renal artery, 1 arterial anastomosis (n = 835), Group B-->1 renal artery, 1 arterial anastomosis (n = 112), Group C-->1 renal artery, > 1 arterial anastomosis (n = 51). We compared the incidence of post-transplant hypertension, acute tubular necrosis, acute rejection, and vascular and urologic complications; mean creatinine levels at 1, 3, and 5 years post-transplant; and patient and graft survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors for vascular complications. RESULTS: We found no significant differences among the three groups for the following variables: post-transplant hypertension, acute tubular necrosis, acute rejection, creatinine levels, early vascular and urologic complications, and graft and patient survival. In kidneys with single arteries, the presence (vs. absence) of an aortic patch and the type of the arterial anastomosis (end-to-end to the hypogastric vs. end-to-side to the external iliac artery) did not have an impact on the incidence of early or late vascular complications. In kidneys with multiple arteries, only the rate of late renal artery stenosis was higher, the rate of early vascular and urologic complications was not different. Our multivariate analysis identified acute tubular necrosis as a risk factor for renal artery and vein thrombosis; graft placement on the left side for arterial thrombosis; and preservation time > or = 24 hours and multiple renal arteries for renal artery stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Results of kidney transplants using allografts with multiple versus single arteries are similar.

[Metabolic and immunologic sequelae of pancreas transplantation in the pig]. / Metabolische und immunologische Konsequenzen der Pankreastransplantation beim Schwein.

After induction of a Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus solitary pancreas transplants were performed in 31 Yorkshire-Landrace pigs. Exocrine pancreatic secretions were bladder drained (duodenocystostomy). Postoperatively all animals were subject to a standardized immunosuppression. The purpose of the study was both to examine the intensity of rejection episodes within a certain time period and to correlate laboratory with histology data. Cystoscopic transduodenal pancreas biopsies in defined intervals were obtained by intraoperative ultrasound control; this technique reduces the complication rate and should be used clinically. The biopsy results showed that severe rejection episodes despite high dose triple-immunosuppression for induction therapy were noted histologically and immunohistochemically as early as postoperative day 6. Morphological changes significantly preceded functional changes. Due to the distinct immunogenicity of pancreas transplants and in order to decrease incidence and severity of rejection episodes, quadruple-immunosuppression (including T-cell-antibodies) is imperative for induction therapy and anti-rejection treatment. Our results demonstrate that solitary pancreas transplantation is clinically indicated only in patients with extremely labile diabetes mellitus due to the high immunosuppression required. This animal model should be utilized for further studies to improve the result of solitary pancreas transplantation.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in pigs.

We induced, as a precondition for a pancreas transplant, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in 67 Yorkshire Landrace pigs by administering streptozotocin. A dosage of 150 mg/kg body weight gave rise to a long-lasting diabetes mellitus that persisted with time (follow-up period: 26 weeks). Consecutive measurements of serum glucose and plasma insulin, before and up to 30 hours after administering streptozotocin, revealed triphasic behavior: initial hyperglycemia (1st to 3rd hour), pronounced hypoglycemia (12th to 18th hour), then hyperglycemia (22nd hour on). IVGTTs done 1 to 7 days after administering streptozotocin revealed a reduction of the K-value (glucose disappearance rate) from 0.3 (day 2) to 0.07 (day 4). Immunohistochemical studies revealed a complete loss of all beta-cells, concomitantly with a relative increase in glucagon- and somatostatin-positive cells. We also observed a complete loss of pp (pancreatic polypeptide)-positive cells. Diabetes induced by streptozotocin at 150 mg/kg body weight is complete and permanent; our mortality rate was 0%. Given the high morbidity rate after pancreatectomy, streptozotocin should be the method of choice for inducing diabetes mellitus in pigs.

[Simultaneous en-bloc allotransplantation of pancreas and kidney in the animal model. Comparison of separate organ and en-bloc pancreas/kidney transplantation in swine]. / Die simultane En-bloc-Allotransplantation von Pankreas und Niere im Tiermodell. Vergleich von organgetrennter und En-bloc-Pankreas-/Nierentransplantation beim Schwein.

The high technical complication rate of pancreas transplantation requires large animal models to improve clinical transplant survival rates. The pig is a very suitable animal due to its anatomy, physiology and immunology which are similar to humans. In this study a model of en-bloc simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation was established which--in contrast to separate transplantation of both organs--decreases preservation time, operation time, and clamp time. Furthermore, the rates of intra- and postoperative complications were reduced compared with separate transplantation. The donor aorta (encompassing celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery, and left renal artery) is anastomosed en-bloc to the recipients aorta in a an oblique-to-side fashion. The portal vein is anastomosed end-to-side to the left common iliac vein. The exocrine pancreatic secretions are drained via duodenocystostomy to allow for monitoring of urinary amylase for rejection. The en-bloc technique is an alternative for pediatric donor organs since the risk of vascular complications is lower compared with separate implantation of the donor vessels. Based on our results in a large animal model the en-bloc technique could be used in adult uremic diabetic patients who receive a combined pancreas-kidney transplant from a pediatric cadaver donor.

[Relevance of histopathologic grading in colonic cancer]. / Zur Relevanz des histopathologischen Gradings beim Coloncarcinom.

The histopathological grading exerted a significant influence on prognosis in patients with colonic carcinoma. More than half of the well differentiated tumors were found in early stage pT1-3 N0 M0 compared to 25% of the G2- and 10% of the G3-tumors. The percentage of incurable cases in G2-tumors was twice as high and in G3-tumors three times as high as in patients with well differentiated carcinomas. The recurrence rate increased significantly with decreasing tumor differentiation from 21% to 51%. Despite the correlation with tumor stage the histopathological grading could be established as an independent prognostic variable and had an influence on the recurrence rate especially within tumor stage pT1-3 N0 M0.

[Type and prognosis of loco-regional recurrence in rectal carcinoma: a follow-up study]. / Art und Prognose des lokoregionären Rezidivs beim Rektumkarzinom. Eine Nachsorgestudie.

The recurrence rate after 438 curative operations for rectal carcinoma was 44.1% (193 cases). It was independent of age and sex, but correlated closely with tumour stage. Tumours in an early stage recurred rarely and late. The success of a second operation was influenced by the type of local-regional recurrence. Only three of 34 presacral recurrences were again treated surgically with cure as the aim, compared with seven of 17 anastomosis recurrences, five of eight perineal recurrences, four of six recurrences after local dissection, and all colostomy recurrences, vaginal recurrences and metachronic second tumours. The further course demonstrated that about three quarters of patients who had undergone seemingly curative operations died from their tumour. The cure rate was only 8.8% for all patients after operations for recurrence and 22.6% for those who had undergone "curative" second operations.

A modified prosthesis for the treatment of malignant esophagotracheal fistula.

Esophagotracheal fistula is usually a sequela of irradiation or laser treatment of advanced carcinoma of the esophagus or the tracheobronchial tree. Resection of the tumor in these cases is not possible, and palliative bypass surgery is highly risky. The peroral placement of a prosthesis is less invasive, but conventional prostheses often fail to occlude the fistula. The authors regularly use an endoscopic multiple-diameter bougie for dilation. After dilation, a specially designed prosthesis is pushed through the tumor stenosis to block the fistula. This procedure can be done without general anesthesia. The funnels of conventional prostheses cannot cover the fistula when there is either a wide, proximal esophagus above the fistula or a high fistula. To cope with this particular situation, a special fistula funnel was developed. It perfectly occludes the fistulas in all patients. Of 21 patients, 19 were discharged without further aspiration.

[Stomach cancer in patients under 40]. / Das Magenkarzinom bei Patienten unter 40 Jahren.

Fifty-one patients below the age of forty were treated for stomach carcinoma at the Surgical Hospital of Mainz University, between 1970 and 1986. They accounted for 5.2 per cent of all patients with stomach carcinoma. Diagnosis had been delayed under the following characteristic circumstances: The interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis had been more than a year in 34 per cent of all cases. Fifty per cent of the patients had been originally hospitalised, following false suspicious diagnosis. Primary examination for gastro-intestinal passage produced falsely negative results in 43 per cent. The same falsely negative outcome was recorded from 24 per cent, following gastroscopy, and from twelve per cent, following gastroscopy combined with tissue sampling. The percentage of early stomach carcinomas was twice as high as that recorded from patients over forty. Undifferentiated carcinomas, on the other hand, were predominant in patients below forty, whereas adenocarcinomas were primarily recorded from patients over forty. Curative resection was successful in 55 per cent of the over-forties and 44 per cent of the under-forties. No-recurrence intervals were longer among the over-forties. However, five-year survival rates in Stages I, II, and III were better among the under-forties. Hence, the conclusion has been drawn from these findings that stomach carcinoma prognosis of patients below forty is better than that in higher age groups. This, however, is contradictory to other investigations reported in the literature.

Technique of transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

Sessile adenomas are predominantly localized in the rectum and lower sigma. Surgical removal is indicated but often implies an invasive surgical procedure. Using conventional transanal surgical techniques, only the lower rectum can be reached and there are high rates of recurrence. The new technique combines an endoscopic view of the rectum under gas insufflation via a stereoscopic telescope with conventional surgical preparation and suturing. Adenomas can be excised using the mucosectomy technique or full-thickness-excision, whereas carcinomas should be excised using full-thickness excision with a sufficient border of healthy mucosa. In carcinomas of the sacral cavity, we remove the retrorectal fat up to the fascia of Waldeyer, including the regional lymph nodes. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is the most economical and tissue-saving surgical technique for the removal of rectal adenomas and early rectal carcinomas.

[Type II multiple endocrine neoplasms. Diagnosis, therapy and prognosis]. / Multiple endokrine Neoplasie Typ II. Diagnostik, Therapie und Prognose.

From 1979 to 1986, seven patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type IIa and three with type IIb were treated. Nine had a C-cell carcinoma, one had C-cell hyperplasia. None had hyperparathyroidism. Three patients had multiple mucous neuromas. Six patients had proven pheochromocytoma: adrenalectomy was performed in these six (unilateral or bilateral depending on whether the tumor was uni- or bilateral). All ten patients had a total thyroidectomy--three later required neck dissection for regional lymphnode metastases. One patient died from the consequences of diffuse liver metastases of a C-cell carcinoma. Extensive family screening is necessary with patients who have MEN type II, in order to discover early any occult disease carriers. In addition, MEN type II should be excluded in all patients who have C-cell carcinoma, pheochromocytoma or hyperparathyroidism.

[Functional echo morphology of Bauhin's valve]. / Funktionelle Echomorphologie der Bauhinschen Klappe.

Following rectal irrigation, it is possible to demonstrate the ileo-caecal valve sonographically, using a right para-inguinal approach. The shape, position and motility of the valve can be evaluated. The normal valve is two to three mm. thick, similar to the colonic wall, but its lips are thickened. Two distinct mechanisms are responsible for opening the valve, the ileocolic pressure gradient and relaxation of the circular muscle round the valve. The resulting intraluminal flow can be quantified by duplex sonography. The information may be of diagnostic and therapeutic significance, particularly during childhood.

[Leiomyoma in the B II stomach remnant]. / Leiomyom in B II-Restmagen.

Following Billroth II surgery carcinomas of the stomach stump are the most common tumours. A rare case of a benign mesenchymal tumour is reported.

[Intraoperative ultrasound study in surgery]. / Intraoperative Ultraschalluntersuchung in der Chirurgie.

Report on intraoperative sonography in 257 patients (89 with pancreatic and 67 with liver disease, 24 with vascular surgery and 24 with bile duct disease). Intraoperative sonography was helpful for the detection of tumors not evident by inspection and palpation. In vascular surgery it proved to be an excellent means for quality control. The main problems encountered concerned the evaluation of the bile ducts and of haemodynamically insignificant vessel wall lesions.

[Modern diagnosis and therapy of traumatic hemobilia in childhood]. / Moderne Diagnostik und Therapie der traumatischen Hämobilie im Kindesalter.

The authors report on the first case of haematobilia diagnosed in childhood by means of sonography. Massive haematemesis occurred in a six-year-old boy on the 57th postoperative day after an oversewn rupture of the liver. Sonography revealed an atonic gallbladder with stratification phenomena and free floating highly reflecting coagulates, as well as pulsations and flow phenomena in an area of the size of a bean at the floor of a necrotic cavity of the liver (aneurysm). Relaparotomy was done by locating the aneurysm via sonography and performing a purse-string ligature. The high mortality rate of 10 to 20% can be reduced if the gradually evolving condition is identified at an early stage, which means that regular sonographic examinations should be conducted in the postoperative control of liver rupture. Intraoperative sonography with sterilisable sound heads enables accurate location of the source of bleeding.